The Portland daily press., 1887-03-15
PRICE THREE CENTS.

foundation than the education Of the naomi
can be laid for national prosperity and the se
eurity Of republican institutions Henc
every tendency in our schools should \,
watched with jealous care; every evidence \
substantial progress hailed with special salts.
iaetlon every appearance Of retroeressior
viewed with serious apprehension. To secure
the best results requiresthe co-operation ~
parents as well as teaehers,-of liberal apnro-
pnations for, and wel ventilated. school.
buildings as wei as correct systems Of in
strucnon and approved textbooks. Il gives
me pleasure TO state that Portland's policy M
hberality towards its schools, has borne its
legitimate fruit in the general education Of our
youth, and the rare intelligence Of our popu-
lation. In pursuance Of this policy the last
city government devoted considerable money
to furnishing enlarged accommodations for
scholars in the Shailer and Chestnut street
schools, besides expending more than the usual
amount IN renewing and rendering attractive
other school, buildings.
Also sixteen thousand dollars were appro-
/ prated toward the erection Of a new urinary
school house upon the corner Of Carroll ana
Neal streets, most eligible locality, consider
ing convenience, space and light, for the many
scholars at present unaceommodated in
the crowded primary districts in that quar-
ter OF the city. You will be asked to appro-
pirate sufficient money to complete this school
building IN season for its occupancy at the
commencement Of the next school year.
For further matters of detail about our
schools you are respectfully referred to the re-
port Of the superintendent Of schools; such
suggestions as are there made relative 10 ven
ulation Of the High school building, and needed
improvements elsewhere, are recommended 10
your favorable consideration.
PUBLIC BUILDINGS.
It Is incumbent upon us to keep the public
buildings in good state Of preservation, and
to this end requisite expenditures have been
made. A new office has been erected on the
hay scale lot in the place Of the dilapidated
structure formerly standing there. During the
autumn my attention was drawn to the foul
state OF the air in City hall, and employed an
expert 10 make examination Of its sanitary
condition. His report was duly submitted, and
disclosed dangerous system of sewerage which
should be remedied as soon as the proper
authority for its reconstruction can be obtained.
A larger appropriation than usual will be re-
quired in this department, provided the above
work is authorized, and the proper ventilation
Of the High school is also undertaken.
STREETS.
An unusual draft upon the resources Of this
department has been made during the past
year for the construction Of new sidewalks,
necessitated by the erection of very many new
residences. Also the steam road roller was
purchased out Of the street appropriation. The
first cost Of this machine was considerable, but
the outlay was deemed judieious after an ex-
animation Of its merits. Trial has already
demonstrated the wisdom Of the expenditure,
as the roller is extremely useful upon streets
oh -. -.
quently maintained in good repair at eontin-
ual expense. Upon such streets, additions Of
gravel and crushed stone will no
longer be required after every severe
storm since the roller with its immense weight
propelled by steam, can solidify them TO such
degree that the heaviest teaming and most
violent storms produce no perceptible effect.
In the way Of permanent improvement more
than $500 square yards Of granite pavement
have been laid, it being the settled policy Of
the city 10 devote yearly 10 this object as
much of the appropriation as can well be
spared. Under this plan supplemented by the
macadamizing Of the steam roller, our streets
should ere long come into such excellent condi-
ton as to require small annual appropriations
for their maintenance.
PARKS AND PUBLIC GROUNDS.
The good results which were anticipated
from placing our parks and public grounds in
charge OF a commission are fast becoming real
zed in the improved appearance OF the prom
enades, the gradual identifying Of Lincoln
Park, and the steady development Of the Oaks
into an attractive resort for driving and rec
reation. The small appropriation made last
year for the Oaks was largely devoted TO the
building Of rustic bridges, and the eonstruc-
tion Of granite entrance which presents
specially fine appearance when approached
from the avenue Of State street. With simiiSf-
small appropriations, annually expended
under the wise direction Of the commissioners.
the bereheent work can be steadily carried
forward Of not only preserving but increasing
the natural beauty Of our historic Deering's
Oaks, and justly famous promenades.
DRAINS AND SEWERS.
About the usual sum was expended in this
most important department and vet much
work could not be done for which there is
pressing need. While several important sew
ers were constructed, yet sufficient means
were not available to build those ra4afred
at the West End. or to extend tic Intercept
ing sewer along Commercial street, as recon-
mended in my fornrer message. 1t is to be
hoped that both of these objects can be accom-
plished the present year. Nothing was done
at Back bay except TO extend the Pearl street
sewer into deep water channel.
Notwithstanding the extensive improve
ments made there in the season Of 1885, there
was much complaint from the odors Of Back
bay during the months Of July and August
last. An officer was detailed TO take obser-
vatious Of the state Of tide and wind
when the odors were most prevalent
and the deduction from the data
obtained was that the flats could not be
held responsible for all the trouble While
their condition produced a portion Of the
nuisance, some Of it was clearly attributable to
the tannery, slaughter house, and clandestine
deposits Of soil carts in forbidden spots.
Allow me to suggest a change relative TO the
disposition Of sewer assessments which think,
would result in present benefit. As now ar
ranged, all assessments beyond the amount
estimated for income. 60 into the sinking fund.
1t frequently happens that the city, for lack Of
available funds cannot grant petitions for new
sewers when presented late in the season. /
would recommend the above difficulty be obvi-
ated somewhat by making sewer assessments
payable directly into a sewer fund the receipts
whereof, above the amount estimated for in
come shall be available at any time for the
construction Of new sewerage.
FIRE DEPARTMENT.
Much satisfaction is experienced in being
able to chronicle but few fires and scanty
losses by eonAagration during the past year.
The fire department under the direction Of
Chief Engineer Cloyes maintains its high
standard Of efficiency.
Its appearance upon the occasion of our
Centennial parade was highly creditable. and
elected much commendation both from our
visitors and citizens. A notable occasion for
the department was the dedication Of the fire.
mems lot which took place with appropriate
ceremonies in the presence Of the different fire
organizations, and large attendance Of in
terested spectators. And. in alluding to this
lot, II would seem fitting for our city to pro-
vide it with a suitable memorial shaft in tes-
timony Of her appreciation Of the services Of
those unfortunate hremen whose aets call for
recognition and gratitude. The department
itself is in such excellent condition that
no special appropriation viii be required. An
urgent necessity exists for a new tower for
drying and cleaning hose as the present one
has become dangerous through decay and
insecure foundation.
II has been customary for the department to
respond TO alarms Of fire from the neighboring
villages in Deering without any compensation.
The single exception TO this rule occurred the
past year when a considerable loss was met in
the destruction Of hose by chemicals for which
bill was presented to the Deering authorities,
and by them, paid. IL would seem equitable
that some agreement be made between Port